Gov. Jared Polis signs bills banning corporal punishment in schools, setting new rules on 48-hour jail holds

Punishment in schools and rules around bond hearings were among the bills signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday.

Under HB23-1191, Colorado bans all corporal punishment in public schools, state-licensed child care centers, family child care homes and specialized group facilities. Polis noted that most school districts in the state already ban the practice. Colorado joins the majority of states — now 29 — banning it.

“Research shows that physical discipline leads to stress, depression and a low sense of self-esteem,” Polis said. “It can also foster an environment where outright abuse occurs. This bill can assure our fellow Coloradans that learning is the focus of school.”

The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Regina English and Sen. Rhonda Fields, both Democrats. It had bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

The bill “serves as a written promise by state leadership that we will honor and protect the children of Colorado,” English, a Colorado Springs Democrat, said at the signing.

HB23-1151 clarifies a 2021 law that requires courts to hold bond hearings for arrestees within 48 hours of them being taken into custody. The new law clarifies that the 48-hour limit applies regardless of whether the arrested individual is held in a jurisdiction other than the one that issued the arrest warrant, and also applies if the bond is set without the person or their legal counsel present.

The time limit does not apply if a person refuses to attend court or is unable to attend due to substance use or behavioral health emergencies, according to the bill summary.

The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Reps. Rod Bockenfeld and Steven Woodrow and Sens. Bob Gardner and Robert Rodriguez.

“We come together over due process,” said Woodrow, a Denver Democrat. “… This is a bill about equity. No one should be languishing in a Colorado jail simply because they can’t afford to post bond or have one set in time.”

“The bill is about the Constitutional rights of our citizens,” said Gardner, a Colorado Springs Republican. “When someone is accused of a crime, they are innocent until proven guilty, and they’re entitled to bond and entitled to a bond hearing within a reasonable time.”

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